Ryan McGowan in line to make Socceroos debut against Scotland

Proud Aussie Ryan McGowan has received his first Socceroos call-up.© SNS Group

Ryan McGowan could make his full Australia debut against Scotland after being handed his first Socceroos call-up.

The Hearts star, 22, has been included in Holger Osiek’s 20 man squad to face the Scots at Easter Road on Wednesday, August 15 – his 23rd birthday.

McGowan, who can play defence and midfield, has caps at Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 level but was yet to make the breakthrough into the full side.

The Scottish Cup final goalscorer made the break-through into the Hearts team last season. He is eligible to play for Scotland through his Glasgow-born parents, but has always maintained his wish to represent the country of his birth.

McGowan told the official Hearts website: “I am delighted with the call-up and really looking forward to the game.”

Socceroos boss Osiek said McGowan has impressed him during a training camp in Germany last year.

Osiek said: “He has become a regular starter for Hearts and is doing very well. It’s a good opportunity for me to have a look at him and see if he’s ready for it.”

Australia stars Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell have been left out of the player pool for the match while former Blackburn defender Lucas Neill will captain the side.

Australia squad to face Scotland

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Adam Federici (Reading), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund).

Defenders: Lucas Neill (unattached), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow), David Carney (Bunyodkor), Sasa Ognenovski (Umm-Salal), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Ryan McGowan (Hearts), Jason Davidson (Heracles).

Midfielders: Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa), Brett Holman (Aston Villa), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Neil Kilkenny (Bristol City), Chris Herd (Aston Villa).

Strikers: Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Scott McDonald (Middlesbrough), Robbie Kruse (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Alex Brosque (Shimizu S-Pulse).

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